Food & Culture Walk in Nagano: Oyaki, Sake, Matcha & Zenkoji

Come to Nagano for a flavorful food-and-culture walk built around four highlights in the perfect order: freshly made oyaki, the Zenkoji area, a local sake tasting, and a matcha dessert (matcha ice cream or dorayaki). Between stops, enjoy quiet backstreets, family-run shops, and local stories that bring the neighborhood to life. We begin with warm oyaki, then stroll the historic streets around Zenkoji before heading to the tasting. Finish at a cozy matcha spot before returning toward Nagano Station. -Start with freshly made oyaki (Nagano’s famous stuffed dumplings), served warm -Walk through the Zenkoji area’s historic streets and peaceful back lanes -Enjoy a local sake tasting with small nibbles and local pairings -Finish with a matcha dessert (choice of matcha ice cream or dorayaki) -Visit 2–3 small family-run shops and meet local owners -Discover lesser-known spots beyond the guidebooks -Learn simple local tasting etiquette and hear stories of everyday life in Nagano